Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy

Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy
Name	Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy
Introduced	2005
Jurisdiction	International waters

Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy

Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy (BMP) is a set of industry-developed guidance for merchant ships transiting high-risk waters off the coast of Somalia, developed by stakeholders including the International Maritime Organization, International Chamber of Shipping, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and regional partners. The guidance synthesizes operational, technical, legal, and coordination measures to reduce the risk of piracy incidents and protect crews, vessels, and cargoes during voyages through the Gulf of Aden, the Somali Basin, and adjacent Indian Ocean routes. BMP evolved in response to attacks impacting flag states such as Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, and operator nations including Greece, China, India, United Kingdom, United States, and Japan.

Background and Scope

BMP originated from industry and multilateral responses to spikes in maritime attacks during the 2000s, influenced by incidents involving vessels linked to Maersk Line, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), and other major operators. It addresses transits through internationally-defined High Risk Areas, reflecting guidelines from the International Maritime Organization, the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, and naval task forces such as Combined Task Force 151 and European Union Naval Force Somalia (EUNAVFOR). BMP applies to ships registered under flags like Malta, Bahamas, Cyprus, and Panama and to charterers, classification societies such as Lloyd's Register, and insurers including Lloyd's of London and the International Group of P&I Clubs.

Risk Assessment and Voyage Planning

Effective voyage planning under BMP requires pre-transit risk assessment incorporating intelligence from sources such as the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, United States Navy, United Nations Security Council, and commercial providers like MDAT-GoG. Masters and operators should plan routes considering chokepoints such as the Bab-el-Mandeb, seasonal monsoons affecting Somali waters, and proximity to ports including Aden, Mogadishu, and Berbera. Plans integrate notifications to reporting centers like the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), compliance with navigation notices from the International Maritime Organization, and alignment with company security policies of operators such as CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd.

Onboard Defensive Measures and Crew Training

BMP emphasizes physical hardening measures—barriers, razor wire, citadels—and procedural defenses including increased lookouts, blackout procedures, and evasive maneuvers. Ships implement measures compatible with classification and regulatory frameworks overseen by International Association of Classification Societies members and flag administrations like Panama Maritime Authority. Crew training references curricula by IMO model courses and partnerships with maritime academies such as Kühne Logistics University and national institutions like the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Measures are tailored to vessel types operated by companies like NYK Line, K Line, and COSCO, and consider cargoes insured through clubs including the American Club and Gard.

Communication, Reporting, and Liaison Procedures

BMP prescribes reporting to naval and civilian centers including UKMTO, MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa), EU NAVFOR, and the Combined Maritime Forces. Alerts should reference vessel particulars and position formats compatible with systems used by International Maritime Organization and NATO assets. Liaison includes engagement with private maritime security companies such as Purdey Maritime-style contractors, port authorities in Djibouti, Eritrea, and coordination with providers like IHS Markit for maritime domain awareness.

Legal, Insurance, and Contractual Considerations

Implementing BMP intersects with flag state laws (e.g., Liberian Registry requirements), national legislation of coastal states such as Somalia and Yemen, and international instruments including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Decisions on armed guards must reconcile legal frameworks in transit and territorial waters and insurer requirements from underwriting markets in London, New York City, and Tokyo. Charterparties and bills of lading incorporate clauses influenced by organizations like the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and may reference risk mitigation responsibilities among owners, charterers, and P&I clubs.

Coordination with Naval and Private Security Forces

BMP encourages coordinated action with naval task forces such as Combined Task Force 151, Operation Atalanta, and national assets like ships from the Royal Navy, People's Liberation Army Navy, Indian Navy, and United States Navy. Private maritime security providers operate under protocols consistent with BMP and host nation rules; notable contractors have included firms operating under standards promulgated by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Chamber of Shipping. Coordination mechanisms use reporting centers like MSCHOA and legal frameworks shaped by the United Nations Security Council resolutions permitting international action against piracy.

Post-Incident Response and Recovery

BMP prescribes contingency plans for boarding, hijacking, or attempted attacks, including activation of citadels, muster procedures, and evidence preservation for investigations by authorities such as the Somali Transitional Federal Government-era institutions, regional prosecutors, and national courts in prosecuting states like Kenya, Seychelles, and The Netherlands. Post-incident actions include notifications to classification societies such as Det Norske Veritas and insurers including International Group of P&I Clubs, crew welfare measures coordinated with organizations like International Organization for Migration and Sailors' Society, and lessons-learned reporting to bodies such as the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia for future BMP updates.

Category:Maritime security